Imagine a young boy, full of potential, arriving in a new country with his family, seeking a better life. Little did his father know that one day, this boy would rise to become a prominent figure in British politics, a Member of Parliament, and even a Cabinet member. This story is a testament to the power of determination and the impact immigrants have had on shaping the UK.
My father, a skilled joiner, left Uganda in 1963 and settled in Birmingham. With a vision to provide for his family, he worked tirelessly on building sites, saving every penny to bring his wife and children over. In a city where racial prejudice was an open secret, our family faced challenges from the start. Despite the odds, my parents' support and my own hard work led me to graduate from Brunel University and become a qualified solicitor. In 2005, I was elected to Parliament, representing North West Cambridgeshire.
But here's where it gets controversial... the idea of an immigrant's child becoming a Conservative MP and Cabinet member was unheard of back then. Yet, it happened. And it's not an isolated case.
Britain has a long history of immigration, with various groups contributing to its rich tapestry. From the Romans and Germanic tribes to the Vikings and Normans, people have sought refuge and opportunities here. The 17th century saw the arrival of French Protestant Huguenots, followed by Jewish refugees in the 19th and 20th centuries. Commonwealth migration began in the mid-20th century, and the 21st century brought significant arrivals from the European Union.
Our 2025 Winter Appeal, in partnership with Comic Relief, aims to support those experiencing homelessness and food insecurity, as well as refugees who have fled their homes. It's a chance to give back to those who, like my family, have sought a better life in the UK.
I had the privilege of serving my constituents for 19 years and the honour of working with three Prime Ministers as a Minister. It's a testament to the opportunities this country offers.
And this is the part most people miss... the incredible impact immigrants have had on various fields. From law to medicine, finance to business, sports to theatre and media, immigrants have shaped our country and made it great.
Take, for example, the expulsion of Asians from Uganda by Idi Amin in 1972. Despite the initial challenges, many of these Ugandan Asians, including my family, went on to achieve remarkable success. They started businesses, created jobs, and contributed significantly to the economy. This community, while maintaining its cultural identity, seamlessly integrated into British society.
It's estimated that people of Southeast Asian descent in Britain, despite being only 2.5% of the population, contribute a whopping 10% to the national output. That's a powerful statement about the value immigrants bring.
Now, let's address the elephant in the room: illegal migration. While the Geneva Convention of 1951 was well-intentioned, it wasn't designed to handle the current global migration crisis. Immigration should be legal, and we must provide safe routes for those fleeing danger. But let's not let this overshadow the immense positive impact immigrants have had and continue to have on our country.
Shailesh Vara, the UK's first Hindu MP and former Conservative Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, shares this story as a reminder of the power of immigration and the opportunities it brings. So, let's celebrate the diversity that makes Britain great and continue to support those in need.
